We are entitling this sermon
as: “Golden Opportunities.” Just as gold is a valuable and precious metal
from which our monetary system is based; just so, many things are referred to
as being “golden.” When used in this manner it has reference to that which
is excellent, of great value, and very precious. The term “opportunities”
indicates the right time and circumstances favorable to achieve worthwhile
endeavors. Thus, “Golden Opportunities” pertains to worthwhile endeavors
every faithful child of God should pursue.

Someone has said, “There
are three things that will not come back: (1) a spent arrow; (2) a word
hastily spoken, and (3) a lost opportunity.” Also, there is an old
proverb that states: “Opportunity only knocks once!” This may be true
about some things, but not necessarily all opportunities. However, it is a
fact that specific opportunities are not always available. The Apostle Paul,
in writing to the churches of Christ in the providence of Galatia, states:
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially
unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). That
passage declared: “As we have therefore opportunity.” That
statement implies we do not always have specific opportunities.

You would surely agree that
we, as individuals and collectively as a congregation, have neglected
worthwhile opportunities. For example: in our secular life, we may have
failed to invest in a profitable business opportunity, or in applying for a
good job of employment. As Christians, we may have neglected the opportunity
to discuss the way of salvation to the lost.

We should look upon life
itself as the greatest opportunity. The wise man Solomon declared: “Let
us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his
commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every
work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it
be evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14). Let us impress upon our minds the
importance of seeing and seizing the many opportunities that
come our way. In the inspired words of the Apostle Paul: “Redeeming
the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16). In other words, let
us not waste time seizing our opportunities.

Discussion:

What are some of our daily
opportunities?

I.EVERY DAY OF OUR LIFE WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A BLESSING TO
SOMEONE IN NEED.

Gal. 6:10, “As
we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto
them who are of the household of faith.”

A.This admonition would cover a broad range of services we might render.

1.There is always a brother or sister, or a fellow human who needs
encouragement.

2.And giving encouragement to one who is disheartened is as needful as
reproving the disorderly.

1 Thess. 5:14-15, “Now
we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded,
support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for
evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves,
and to all men.”

B.It would be wonderful if you and I were as quick to edify and commend
as we might be to criticize and condemn.

1.We should not wait until someone dies to express how we feel about
them.

2.“Let us give them roses while they live!”

3.This would apply to all those who have meant something to our lives.
These include: our parents, elders in the church, former teachers (this would
include those in public schools and our Bible class teachers), and faithful
gospel preachers. Others would include friends who have helped us to take
courage and to make right choices in life.

4.We should realize that we are indebted to many, many for their kindness
and assistance.

5.So, don’t wait until they die—express your appreciation unto them while
they are still living.

6.There are opportunities on every hand to reach out and extend a
helping hand, or to show sincere interest in those struggling under a heavy
load.

C.
We are living in a frustrated, problem-laden world.

1.There are opportunities on every hand to reach out and extend a helping
hand, or to show sincere interest in those struggling under a heavy load.

2.One of the greatest gifts you will ever be able to give in this life is
understanding or moral support. To one who may be carrying a heavy load, or
struggling with some difficult problem.

II.EACH DAY ALSO BRINGS US OPPORTUNITY TO PRAY.

1 Thess. 5:17-18, “Pray
without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you.”

A.The moments we spend in prayer are the best moments of our day.

1.God deserves our hearty praise and thanksgiving, and we need His
wisdom to make right decisions and His help to carry out our duties and
responsibilities.

B.This admonition to pray is needful and worthwhile in a host of ways.

1.The Apostle Paul emphasizes the following at:

1 Tim. 2:1-4, “I
exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings and for all that are in
authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who
will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of truth.”

2.We should also pray for missionaries and write them letters
of encouragement.

3.We should pray for the sick—that if it be in keeping with God’s
Will, their days be lengthened and their health restored.

4.We should pray that doors of opportunity be opened for us to
teach lost souls the Will of our Lord.

III.EVERY DAY THAT WE LIVE WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK OUT SOME WANDERER
AND BRING HIM (OR HER) BACK INTO THE FOLD OF GOD.

Gal. 6:1-2, “Brethren,
if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one
in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

1 Tim. 2:23-26, “But
foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt
to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if
God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are
taken captive by him as his will.”

A.To reach out unto the erring and unfaithful brethren is a much needed
work in which every faithful Christian should be involved in.

1.Often discouraging, it can also sometimes prove one of the most
rewarding and challenging noble works in which we can be involved.

2.There are dozens, yea hundreds, who once walked in the way of Christ,
but who have let the influence of the world turn them aside.

1 John 2:15-17, “Love
not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not
of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust
thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

3.Do we care enough to win them back and thereby: “…save a soul
from death and hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20)?

B.Ask the elders of the church, or the preacher for a list of those who
have become unfaithful and out of duty.

IV.THERE IS ALWAYS THE TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH THE WAY OF
SALVATION TO THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD OR OBEYED THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

A.Every day we have opportunity to “sow the seed of the kingdom.”

1.Some of it will fall by the wayside; some into rocky or thistle
infested soil.

2.But some of it will surely fall into “good ground” – good and honest
hearts, and bring forth fruit of obedience & salvation.

B.Are you constantly looking for opportunities to sow the seed, the pure
word, in the hearts of men and women; boys and girls?

1.This is the greatest work in all the world and one to which every
Christian can be engaged.

2.Even if you have been a Christian for just a short time; you can use:
Bible filmstrips, printed messages, and ask more experienced Christians to
assist you in teaching others the gospel of Christ.

C.Remember the Words of Jesus at:

Matt. 16:26, “For
what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own
soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

1.Do we really believe these words?

2.Have we applied them to our own life?

3.If so, then surely we will have love and concern for others as well as
ourselves.

Conclusion:

These are just a few of
the multitude of opportunities that come our way daily.

I pray these things may
serve to remind us of the importance of making the most of every
opportunity which comes our way. This will enable us to “redeem the
time” and use each day to God’s glory.

If you have departed from
the Lord, we implore you to “return to your first love”

If you have never obeyed
the gospel of Christ, we encourage you to repent of your sins, confess
trusting faith in Christ, and be baptized into Him without delaying another
day.

If you are subject to the
Lord’s invitation then we urge you to come right now!